Prevalence Of Hand Eczema Research Articles

Atopic dermatitis and hand eczema in Danish adults: A nationwide population-based study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and hand eczema often co-occur, particularly among adults. To examine the interplay between AD and hand eczema in the general population, by characterising prevalence, disease severity, contact sensitization, and comorbidities in individuals with one or both conditions. In this cross-sectional study, 100 000 randomly selected adults in the Danish general population received a questionnaire via a secure, digital mailbox linked to their civil registration number. Participants answered questions regarding eczema, disease severity, patch testing, and comorbidities. A total of 40 007 individuals responded to the question on a lifetime prevalence of AD, and the prevalence among adult Danes was 9.0%. Nearly one third of individuals with AD reported moderate to severe disease. AD was associated with contact sensitization and increased hand eczema prevalence. Individuals with both AD and hand eczema reported worse disease severity. Furthermore, having both conditions was associated with an increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities. This study provided updated information about unselected adults with AD in Denmark. Individuals with both AD and hand eczema represent a vulnerable subgroup that physicians should be attentive to.

The correlation between self-reported hand eczema and clinically based diagnosis in professional cleaners.

Most studies investigating the prevalence of hand eczema (HE) in professional cleaners use self-reported questionnaire-based data. However, no validation studies of self-reporting of HE among professional cleaners have previously been conducted. To investigate (1) the point prevalence of self-reported HE, (2) the point prevalence of HE estimated by physical examination of the hands and (3) the sensitivity and specificity of self-reporting of HE compared with the diagnosis based on physical examination among professional cleaners. Professional cleaners at three different hospitals in Region Zealand were invited to fill out a questionnaire. The point prevalence of self-reported HE was estimated based on questions from the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire, each cleaner underwent a physical examination of the hands by a dermatologist on the same day. In total, 234 cleaners were invited to participate in the study, and 224 (response rate = 96.0%) agreed to take part. Based on the self-reported questionnaires, 5.3% (n = 12) of the cleaners had current HE. Based on an examination by a physician, 19.2% (n = 43) of the cleaners had current HE. The sensitivity of self-reported HE was found to be 28.0%, while the specificity was found to be 100.0%. The positive predictive value was found to be 100.0%, while the negative predictive value was 85.0%. The true point prevalence of HE among professional cleaners is underestimated when based on self-reporting.

Professional Cleaners' and Healthcare Workers' Ability to Recognize Hand Eczema.

Timely intervention reduces the risk of a poor prognosis in hand eczema, making early recognition of symptoms important in high-risk professions. However, limited data exist regarding the ability of cleaners and healthcare workers to recognize hand eczema. The aim of this study was to examine cleaners' and healthcare workers' ability to recognize hand eczema in clinical photographs and to assess the severity of the disease. Cleaners and healthcare workers completed a questionnaire consisting of 16 questions and participated in a structured interview referring to a validated photographic severity guide for chronic hand eczema, which comprised clinical photographs of hand eczema at varying levels of severity. Eighty cleaners and 201 healthcare workers (total N = 281) participated in the study. The rates of correctly identified hand eczema in clinical photographs (cleaners/ healthcare workers) were: 41.2%/57.7% (mild hand eczema), 81.2%/92.0% (moderate hand eczema), 85.0%/94.5% (severe hand eczema) and 82.5%/97.0% (very severe hand eczema). The proficiency of healthcare workers in recognizing hand eczema was significantly higher than that of cleaners. The results indicate that a large proportion of cleaners and healthcare workers fail to recognize mild hand eczema in clinical photographs. Healthcare workers had higher success rates in recognizing hand eczema in all severity categories. Symptom underestimation may lead to under-reporting of the true prevalence of hand eczema, with consequent loss of opportunities for prevention.

Hand eczema and skin complaints in particulate matter-exposed occupations - firefighters, chimney sweepers, and ferrosilicon smelter workers in Norway

BackgroundThe objective was to investigate self-reported hand eczema, and skin complaints at other skin locations among workers exposed to particulate matter, especially ultrafine particles.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study on workers from one ferro-silicon smelter plant, eight chimney sweeper stations and one firefighter station across Norway. Participants answered an extended version of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2022), with additional questions about whole-body skin complaints and visible dust deposition. Results are presented as descriptive data using firefighters as reference group. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated using logistic regression on lifetime prevalence of hand eczema adjusted for potential confounders and mediators. P-values were calculated using likelihood ratio test against the crude OR.ResultsA total of 186 participants answered the questionnaire: 74 chimney sweepers, 52 firefighters and 60 smelter workers. Participation rate was 95.0, 94.5 and 63.6%, respectively. Lifetime prevalence of hand eczema was 9.5, 9.6, and 28.3%, respectively. The point prevalence of hand eczema was 1.4, 1.9 and 10.0%, respectively. We estimated OR for lifetime hand eczema in smelter workers to 4.36 [95% CI: 1.31–14.43, p = 0.016] and for lifetime skin complaints in other locations to 2.25 [95% CI: 0.98–5.18, p = 0.058]. The lifetime prevalence of skin complaints at other locations was 18.9, 23.1 and 40.0%, respectively. The point prevalence was 14.9, 9.6 and 16.7%, respectively. These estimates were not statistically significant but indicates that smelter workers have more skin complaints also at other locations.ConclusionThis study reports a more than four-fold increased risk of hand eczema in smelter workers, and possibly a higher risk of skin complaints in other body locations, compared to the other occupations. Longitudinal studies with larger population are needed to verify the marked increased risk of eczema among smelters and establish causation.

Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high-risk group for developing hand eczema (HE), mainly owing to wet work and contact with allergens at work. To meta-analyse the prevalence and incidence of HE in HCWs, as well as mapping the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and HE severity in HCWs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines. Published literature from 2000 to 2022 was eligible based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 18 studies were included. Pooled life-time, 1-year and point prevalence of self-reported HE in HCWs was 33.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.3-38.6), 27.4% (95% CI: 19.3-36.5) and 13.5% (95% CI: 9.3-18.4), respectively. AD prevalence was 15.4% (95% CI: 11.3-19.9). Overall, the majority of HCWs reported mild HE. One included study assessed HE incidence reporting 34 cases/1000 person years. Most studies scored low-moderate using the New Ottawa Scale and the pooled point prevalence data showed broad CIs. In conclusion, the high prevalence of HE in HCWs underlines the increased risk and need for preventive measures for this professional group. There is, however, a need of further standardized high-quality studies.

Hand eczema in Danish adolescents-Beyond atopic dermatitis.

Hand eczema (HE) is a common inflammatory skin disease that may have serious consequences. The age of HE onset varies, but is estimated to be early- to mid-20s. However, very little is known about HE in childhood and adolescence. We aimed to explore the epidemiology, aetiology and severity of HE among a random sample of Danish adolescents drawn from the general population. The study was designed as a self-administered questionnaire study. An electronic questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 13 000 individuals aged 15-19 years. The point-prevalence, 1-year prevalence and life-time prevalence of HE among Danish adolescents was 4.9%, 12.1% and 18.3%, respectively. Among patients with a history of HE, 64.6% of cases were not associated with atopic dermatitis. Of all respondents, 60.2% were either part-time or full-time employed. Among respondents with current HE, 38.2% believed that the occupational exposures either caused or exacerbated the HE. We found a high prevalence of HE among Danish adolescents which raises concern. Knowing the potential consequences that HE may have, attention should be paid to the prevention of HE in adolescence, especially on occupational aspects and prevention of skin disease in young workers.

Hand Eczema in the Polish Female Population.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hand eczema, its association with disinfectant usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential correlations with age and dermatological history on hand symptoms in the Polish female population. A personalized online questionnaire was administered from January to March 2021 to 142 participants, including individuals with hand eczema. The questionnaire addressed demographics, dermatological history, disinfectant usage, and symptoms experienced during the pandemic. The prevalence of hand eczema was higher in younger adults (aged 18-35), with significant exacerbations reported due to increased disinfectant usage. Respondents with a dermatological history were more susceptible to new skin symptoms during the pandemic. The quality of life was substantially impacted, particularly in individuals with hand skin dermatoses. The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable influence on hand eczema, affecting prevalence, symptoms, and quality of life. Disinfectant usage emerged as a key factor in exacerbating hand skin lesions. Further research is warranted to explore the influence of specific disinfecting agents and improve treatment guidelines for personalized management of hand eczema. Despite limitations in the online survey method, these findings highlight the importance of proactive healthcare support for individuals with hand eczema during challenging times.

Prevalence and risk factors for hand eczema among professional hospital cleaners in Denmark: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Professional cleaners are commonly affected by hand eczema (HE) due to wet work and exposure to cleaning products in the work environment. To investigate (1) the prevalence of HE in a group of professional hospital cleaners, (2) the association of HE with various comorbidities and self-reported signs/symptoms of skin lesions and (3) the association of HE with various occupational and personal risk factors in the same population. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including all cleaners working in three hospitals in Denmark. The questionnaire was composed of 35 questions. Prevalence is reported using proportions with 95% confidence intervals and compared using difference of proportions and Fisher's exact test. A total of 122 out of 180 cleaners (response rate = 68%) participated in this study. The self-reported lifetime prevalence of HE among the cleaners was 30.3%, while the 1-year prevalence was 18.9%. HE was significantly associated with a history of atopic diseases. There was a significant correlation between having HE, and self-reported redness and itch of the hands in the last 12 months, as well as the use of hydrochloric acid ≥4 days/week during the last 12 months. Logistic regression analysis found HE significantly associated with washing hands ≥20 times during a working day and a history of atopic dermatitis. Cleaners are at an elevated risk of developing HE. More focus on education/information regarding the prevention and treatment of HE is necessary for the cleaning profession. Self-reported redness and itching of the hands may be a useful prediction of HE in cleaners.

Psychological Stress and Hand Eczema in Physicians and Dentists: A Comparison Based on Surgical Work.

This research looks at the connection between psychological stress and the prevalence of hand eczema (HE) among physicians and dentists (surgeons, non-surgeons). This cross-sectional field study involved 185 participants: physicians (surgeons, non-surgeons), dentists (surgeons, non-surgeons) and controls. Hand lesions were examined using the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI), and participants answered the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Patch tests were performed using commercial contact allergens. The estimated prevalence of HE (self-reported) was 43.9% (physicians 44.6%; dentists 43.2%). HE was significantly more reported by surgeons than controls (p < 0.004; V = 0.288). Degrees of perceived stress (PSS) did not differ significantly between the groups, though physicians non-surgeons most exhibited high stress (50%), and physicians surgeons most exhibited low stress (22.5%). High stress was associated with 2.5 higher odds for self-reported HE (p = 0.008). Low stress was greater among physicians/dentists who did not report eczema (41.0% vs. 24.6%); moderate stress was more common among those who reported eczema (72.3% vs. 51.8%; p = 0.038; V = 0.210). Since high stress levels may negatively influence physicians'/dentists' work and quality of life, measures to decrease stress could be introduced into the treatment of healthcare workers who are prone to it.

Hand Eczema in Apprentice Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic after a Skin Prevention Program.

Healthcare workers, particularly nurses and apprentice nurses, are at high risk of the development of hand eczema due to daily exposure to wet work. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of hand eczema in a group of first-, second-, and third-year apprentice nurses at the University Hospitals of Trieste (northeastern Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two hundred forty-two Nursing School students were recruited. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, and all patients underwent a medical examination to evaluate their skin condition based on standard scores. Transepidermal water loss was also measured. The factors associated with hand eczema were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of hand eczema was low in students both before and after the traineeship (17.9 and 21.5%, respectively), but clinical signs of mild skin damage, mainly skin dryness, were present in 52.3 and 47.2%, respectively. The factor associated with hand eczema was a personal history of atopic eczema (odd ratios 2.61, 95% confidence intervals 1.18-5.80), while exposure to irritants and glove use did not reach statistical significance. Our findings might be explained by the preventive measures adopted for skin protection among healthcare workers in Trieste since the apprenticeship.

Hand eczema prevalence among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic – a systematic review

Introduction The globe is currently experiencing a new pandemic due to the introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 strain of the human coronavirus. The virus infects people and causes COVID-19, a lung condition that can be fatal in susceptible people and is characterized by fever, pneumonia, and shortness of breath. The prevalence of hand eczema among healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units has grown, and it has been linked to increased hand sanitation habits. Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of hand eczema as a consequence of more intensive hand hygiene among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: hand eczema; hand dermatitis; atopic dermatitis; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2. Results Healthcare workers developed hand eczema more frequently in COVID-19 outbreak. The risk of hand eczema was raised by frequent use of hand hygiene products, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, wearing gloves, previous atopic dermatitis history and female sex gender. Due to excessive hand hygiene the natural skin barrier function was impaired, leading to hand eczema. The use of preventive skincare products can lower the risk of hand eczema development. Conclusion Findings demonstrated positive correlation between hand eczema prevalence among healthcare professionals and COVID-19 pandemic. Hand washing and the use of disinfectants disrupt the natural skin barrier function, leading to allergic and irritating hand eczema. In order to continue practicing hand hygiene during the continuing pandemic, proper prevention strategies and education should be implemented.

33552 Prevalence and severity of atopic dermatitis and hand eczema, and associated lifestyle factors in the Dutch general population

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and hand eczema (HE) lead to a considerable public health burden, especially among patients with moderate to severe disease. A large epidemiologic study has not been conducted in the Netherlands yet. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Lifelines Cohort Study by sending a digital questionnaire to 135,950 adults in 2020. Lifestyle factors were extracted from baseline assessment, performed between 2006 and 2013. The association between AD, HE, and lifestyle factors, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression and linear regression models. Results: 57,798 subjects (42.5%) were included. The lifetime prevalence of AD was 9.3%, and the point prevalence of moderate to severe AD was 2.4%. The lifetime prevalence of HE was 15.0%, and the 1-year prevalence was 7.3%, with a proportion of severe to very severe HE at worst ever of 1.9%. Moderate to severe AD was associated with increased smoking pack years, >2 alcoholic drinks per day, chronic stress, and obesity. In addition, smoking amount and pack years, chronic stress, and obesity showed a positive association with HE in the past year. Conclusion: Moderate to severe disease represents a considerable proportion of patients with AD and HE. The current study also indicates that particular lifestyle factors are associated with AD and HE. Advice regarding lifestyle factors might contribute to improving overall health, of which AD and HE might possibly benefit in conjunction. Further longitudinal studies are required to better characterize the direction of these associations, and develop strategies for prevention.

Lifestyle factors and hand eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Evidence regarding the association between lifestyle factors and hand eczema is limited.To extensively investigate the association between lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical activity, body mass index, diet, and sleep) and the prevalence, incidence, subtype, severity, and prognosis of hand eczema, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted in accordance with the Meta‐analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology consensus statement. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to October 2021. The (modified) Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to judge risk of bias. Quality of the evidence was rated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Eligibility and quality were blindly assessed by two independent investigators; disagreements were resolved by a third investigator. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and when insufficient for a meta‐analysis, evidence was narratively summarized. Fifty‐five studies were included. The meta‐analysis (17 studies) found very low quality evidence that smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of hand eczema (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.09‐1.26). No convincing evidence of associations for the other lifestyle factors with hand eczema were found, mostly due to heterogeneity, conflicting results, and/or the limited number of studies per outcome.

Hand Eczema among General Population in the time of Enhanced Hand Hygiene during COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities in most of the world recommend people maintain hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increased number of hand dermatitis among health care workers (HCW) and the general population. Hand eczema results from the damage to the epidermal barrier that induces inflammation and activates the innate immune system. In this brief study, we assess hand eczema prevalence during the Covid-19 pandemic in the general population of Saudi Arabia via a self-administered online questionnaire. The total number of participants was 502, of which 268 (53.4%) were males. Most participants were younger than 30 years (67.9%), while only (2.2%) were older than 60 years. Forty percent of participants developed new-onset hand skin damage during the pandemic, and this was proportionally correlated with the daily average frequency of handwashing with soap and water. We hope this brief study paves the way for further larger epidemiological studies. Keywords: Hand Eczema, Hand Hygiene, COVID-19, Saudi Arabia

The prevalence of hand eczema in an adolescent population.

Linked article: J. Wang et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 547–556. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17814.

Hand eczema, wet work exposure, and quality of life in health care workers in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe focus on hand hygiene during the pandemic has been reported to increase the hand eczema (HE) prevalence in health care workers (HCWs); however, detailed prospective data are missing.ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in HE prevalence, exposures, and health-related quality of life among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, HCWs employed at the hospitals in Copenhagen responded to a digital questionnaire at the beginning of the pandemic and 11 months thereafter.ResultsA total of 795 HCWs responded to both questionnaires (83.4% women). The calculated 1-year HE prevalence decreased from 16.0% at baseline to 13.0% at follow-up. The number of hand washings decreased significantly, whereas the use of alcohol-based hand rubs on wet skin increased significantly. In a logistic regression model, increased use of alcohol-based hand rubs on wet skin was associated with HE at follow-up (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.11-2.87). Health-related quality of life worsened slightly at follow-up, with HE severity and frequent flareups being risk factors for a reduced health-related quality of life.LimitationsSample size.ConclusionIn contrast to previous studies undertaken during the pandemic, we found a relatively low and stable HE prevalence. Our findings suggest that the interaction between changed exposures and HE is complex and cannot be linked to a single factor.

Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema in hairdressers-A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature from 2000-2021.

Hairdressers are commonly affected by hand eczema (HE) due to skin hazardous exposure such as irritants and allergens in the work environment. To give an overview of the current prevalence, incidence, and severity, as well as the pattern of debut and the contribution of atopic dermatitis on HE in hairdressers. A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to April 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved. A pooled lifetime prevalence of 38.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.6-43.8), a pooled 1-year prevalence of 20.3% (95% CI 18.0-22.6), and a pooled point prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI 5.8-9.6) of HE was observed in hairdressers. The lifetime prevalence in fully trained hairdressers and hairdressing apprentices was almost identical. The pooled incidence rate of HE was 51.8 cases/1000 person-years (95% CI 42.6-61.0) and the pooled prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 18.1% (95% CI 13.6-22.5). HE is common in hairdressers and most hairdressers have debut during apprenticeship. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in hairdressers is comparable with estimates in the general population, indicating that occupational exposures are the main factor in the increased prevalence of HE in hairdressers. This warrants a strategic and collective effort to prevent HE in hairdressers.

Prevalence and Severity of Hand Eczema in the Dutch General Population: A Cross-sectional, Questionnaire Study within the Lifelines Cohort Study.

Data on chronic hand eczema and severity of hand eczema in the general population is scarce. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was sent to 135,950 Lifelines Cohort Study participants, in order to investigate the prevalence and severity of hand eczema in the Dutch general population. In total, 57,798 subjects were included. The lifetime prevalence of hand eczema was 15.0% (95% confidence interval 14.7-15.3), the 1-year prevalence 7.3% (95% confidence interval 7.1-7.6), and the self-reported physician-diagnosed prevalence 6.1% (95% confidence interval 5.9-6.3). The 1-year prevalence of chronic hand eczema was 4.7% (95% confidence interval 4.5-4.9). The majority (56.9%) of the subjects with hand eczema had almost clear at worst ever and the prevalence of severe to very severe hand eczema at worst ever in the general population was 1.9% (95% confidence interval 1.8-2.1). Future epidemiological studies in the general population should include data about chronic hand eczema and severity of hand eczema, as this can provide perspective on the burden of hand eczema.

Hand hygiene habits and hand eczema prevalence of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Hand hygiene has become an important building block in the prevention of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current study was conducted to determine the hand hygiene habits of healthcare workers and possible risk factors for hand eczema during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The hand hygiene habits of healthcare personnel working at a university hospital since COVID-19 pandemic started were questioned between December 2020 and February 2021 and they were dermatologically examined to screen for hand eczema. RESULTS: Of the 150 healthcare workers, 56 (37.3%) were doctors and 94 (62.7%) were nurses, and 40 (26.7%) were men and 110 (73.3%) were women. The rate of participants that reported washing their hands more frequently than 25 times daily was 46.0% (n=69), and the rate of disinfectant use was 59.3% (n=89). While 88 (58.7%) of the participants used a moisturizer daily, 62 (41.3%) did not use a moisturizer. Fifteen (10.0%) participants were diagnosed with hand eczema. CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the daily frequencies of hand washing and use of disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic, but our data did not reveal any statistically significant risk factor of hand eczema.

Lifetime prevalence and determinants of hand eczema in an adolescent population in Germany: 15-year follow-up of the LISA cohort study.

Hand eczema is a common inflammatory skin disorder in both adolescence and adulthood. We sought to assess the lifetime prevalence of hand eczema and associated exogenous and endogenous risk factors among adolescents in Germany. This was a cross-sectional study embedded into a prospective population-based birth cohort in four regions of Germany, which recruited healthy neonates born between November 1997 and January 1999. We included 1736 participants who had completed the 15-year follow-up from birth cohort and 84.6% (1468/1736) had clearly reported whether they have ever had hand eczema. All the data were based on questionnaires and blood tests (immunoglobulin E). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine endogenous and exogenous factors in relation to the lifetime prevalence of hand eczema among adolescents. One thousand four hundred and sixty-eight adolescents (715 girls, 48.7%) were included in the final analysis. The lifetime prevalence of hand eczema among adolescents at the age of 15 was 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9%-12.1%), with a significantly higher lifetime prevalence among girls than boys (12.7% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated statistically significant associations between the lifetime prevalence of hand eczema and having ever been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8) or having ever had dry skin (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1), respectively. No statistically significant independent associations were found between asthma, hay fever, allergy-related clinical symptoms, immunoglobulin E positivity and other exogenous factors in relation to hand eczema. Our study fills a research gap on the epidemiological burden of hand eczema among adolescents. One out of ten ever suffered from hand eczema until age 15 years indicating that hand eczema constitutes a significant burden in paediatric populations. The role of atopic dermatitis in hand eczema reinforces previous findings. Exogenous risk factors warrant further investigation.